Little Sioux’s Collison stepped up when needed
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
It didn’t matter the project, community event or function, if something needed to be done, Tim Collison would find a way to make sure everything would run efficiently. He did it, no fanfare, no recognition, no credit. His unsung, behind the scenes heroics may have went unnoticed by many, but for those in the heart of the Little Sioux area and surrounding communities, they knew they had a reliable friend they could count on when something needed to be done.
The surrounding area and community have done its best to move forward since his tragic loss last month, but he will not be forgotton. The community is moving forward and remembering him in the coming weeks.
“Tim Collison was someone who showed up for his community time and time again,” stated members of the Little Sioux Fire and Rescue Dept. “Whether it was helping a neighbor, supporting a local event, or just being there when it mattered most. Tim gave selflessly, without ever expecting anything in return.”
The LSVD added, “Tim was born and raised here, and his life was defined by service to others. For more than two decades, he served faithfully as a firefighter, certified trainer, and Fire Chief of the Little Sioux Fire Department. His dedication didn’t stop there — Tim also served as Waterworks Superintendent and worked with the Harrison County Road Department, always stepping up wherever his community needed him. From every corner of town to the lives he touched, Tim’s impact can be seen and felt. He was a constant presence — not just in times of need, but in the everyday moments that build a strong, caring community. Hewas a dedicated leader, teammate, and friend to so many across Harrison County. Tim served his community with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment. His absence leaves a tremendous void.”
BENEFIT SET FOR SEPT. 13
The Tim Collison Memorial Benefit has been set for Sept. 13 at Nealy Hall in Little Sioux from 5 – 9 p.m.. A ‘Taco Bar’ will be available, as well as items on both silent and live auctions, as well as all kinds of raffles. All free will donations will go toward the family.
COLLISON GIVES TIME
Tim Collison was a member of the Harrison County Roads Dept. for over 20 years, as he has a deep passion for public service, and helping others was evident in his life. Even in his passing, Collison found time to selflessly become an organ donar before his passing, extending his legacy of service. The 1987 West Harrison graduate was a 30-year member of the Little Sioux Volunteer Fire Dept, as well as the Harrison County Fire and Rescue Association.
THOUGHTS ON COLLISON
Harrison County Roads employee Dave Roden stated, "He was never early but never late to work. He was always good to work with and willing to help with anything. He had the talent to repair or fix any machine. One snowy Sunday on the way to church, we got stuck and Dave gave him a call because he was close to where we were. Didn't take him long to get to us with his pickup and pull us out. That’s just who he was."
Little Sioux neighbor, Ben Nuzum, added, "Tim was not only the fire chief for Little Sioux, but had also served as Little Sioux’s utilities superintendent. He faithfully kept our sewer and water system operating and was a valuable wealth of knowledge as we worked towards completion of our city’s new water treatment plant project. He often went above and beyond the call of duty to help out with other city projects and was always willing to help whenever needed. Throughout the last four years in my time as city clerk, Tim and I developed a friendship that often led to long conversations running ideas by each other to come up with the best solutions to deal with issues facing the town. Since Tim’s passing I have had a number of water operators reach out to me who have been willing to help us, all of which have said that Tim was the one who helped them get started and get through licensure."
West Harrison resident Gina Birdsall added, “Tim was a grade behind me in school. He was always humble & kind. Once we got out of high school, I got to teach his four children and see him become a grandpa. He really loved his family. Whenever I went to Little Sioux Homecoming or the Easter Egg Hunt, Tim was always there helping in some way. Tim and Kim always drove the fire truck, threw out candy in all the local parades. I will miss his friendly smile, willingness to serve and help his community.”
You could easily say Tim Collison was a member of all the departments in Harrison County. He was very active with the Harrison County Fire and Rescue Association probably from the moment he joined Little Sioux Fire Department. Tim was always passing information, pushing for training at the county level that could be taken back to the departments,” stated Joyce Cogdill, Dunlap Volunteer Fire Dept. “He had an extensive list of instructors that he could call on to present at the county level. He also was a major part of the organization of the first HCFRA annual EMS conference, where EMT's could get 8 hours of credit toward their renewal in one day but with a variety of instructors. He always brought his laptop, with backup courses on Jumpdrives in case an instructor couldn't make it at the last minute and his personal printer in case more forms needed printed. Not many people brought more "stuff" than Tim.”
Cogdill continued, “He also helped line up equipment form the Iowa Fire School, such as the propane tank prop so that a large group could practice the skills without the prop having to travel back and forth from Ames for each department to put on their own training on that subject. Any of our departments who went to a large fire as mutual aid in the county would see Tim pictured just like he was on the cover of his funeral card-in his fire gear, coat usually off when the flames were gone, helping the Incident Commander if needed, and lending his expertise in whatever way he could. Tim was all for education, helping any department to contact the right people to set up Fire Fighter I classes, and for Emergency Medical Training to help all the departments keep their ambulances manned with EMT's so they can continue to operate within the rules set by Iowa law. Tim was even convincing enough to get his wife Kim to take the EMT class!”
Collison was an officer of HCFRA, usually Vice President, more often President. He was easy to work with and brought a lot to the Association. Kim also attended most of the meetings and their teamwork was helpful to the Association. The only times he didn't attend meetings was when their kids had an activity-concerts, sports- and then onto the grandkids' activities. What a great example of family first, but then community involvement. We will all miss Tim so much, but he taught me and the whole county so much.”
Mondamin Fire Dept’s Brian Rife added, “I feel very fortunate I was able to work with Tim across multiple facets. From my time starting with the Mondamin Fire department in 2009, I was soon acquainted with Tim. I had known of him prior but really got to know him after getting involved in the fire service. Tim would stop by Fire fighter 1 class and help the instructors. Being a department in the "next" town we worked a lot with Tim. There are countless times we would need an extra hand on rescue calls and without hesitation Tim would jump in and ride to the hospital. He had an extraordinary way of connecting with those in his fire district. Most of the people Tim already knew and had gained their trust, if he didn't know them he soon gained it. His calm demeanor made him a natural for working as a volunteer emt/fire fighter. Many times, when responding to large events that Little Sioux hadn't been paged for I would receive phone calls from Tim before I reached the station. He would ask what we needed. Tim loved to help everywhere he could. When we knew we were going to be short for EMT's we could always count on Tim to help cover staffing.”
Rife continued, “When I ran for county supervisor, Tim was in my corner from the start. He was a great mentor for me. Any questions I had regarding secondary roads Tim would help out. I have always had the mindset that nobody is irreplaceable, but Tim may have proved me wrong. It's remarkable the impact he has had on his community, his work and all of those he came in contact with. All the while being an involved family man. There will never be another Tim Collison, and everyone who came into contact with him is a better person for knowing him.”
Dave McWilliams of Little Sioux added, “Tim was my loyal, true friend that I have had the privilege of being for the past 50 years. I first met Tim in the second grade. He was going into the second grade, and I was going back to repeat. I felt sad when I first found out I was getting held back, but when I met Tim, our friendship began. From that day forward, our friendship continued through elementary, high school and into our adult years. In our adult years, I met Tim’s wife Kim, and they were always been there for me no matter what.”
“I was going through a rough divorce, and things were not good in my life. I was living at my parents house and had lost my job. One Sunday when we were having a family dinner at my parents house, I told my family I was going to get back on my feet and get a place of my own. My mom, trying to get me to see reality told me that I couldn’t do so, because I didn’t have a job & I had no money. But being in a fragile state, I jumped up, got in my car drove off angry and hurt. I had no idea where I was going, but somehow, I managed to drive straight to Tim and Kim’s. I pulled up in the driveway and I was so upset I could not even get out of the car. I just sat in the car and honked the horn hoping someone was home. Before I knew it out came Tim, Kim and Nicole. Tim just opened the door reached in and put my car in park. Then he pulled me out of the car, hugged me and told me it was going to be all right. Tim didn’t let go until I calmed down and was feeling better. They were with me through the whole divorce. They have been there for me many other times than just this one example.”
McWilliams continued, “Tim did not profess his faith like some people do, but showed his faith in the way he lived his life. His service to his family, friends and to the community. Tim was the best friend I ever had, and I know I will never have another friend like him.”
